Acroterion (pl. acroteria) - plinths for statues, etc, at the apex and ends of a pediment. Can also refer to the statues themselves.

Aeneid

Vergil's epic poem on the glorious past of Rome.

antefix

Antefix (plural antefixae) is, originally, an upright decoration used to hide the end of a run of roof tiles. Now also used as general ornamentation.

Arts and Crafts Movement

Founded after the 1851 Great Exhibition to improve standards of decorative design and to revive handicrafts, in direct opposition to the trend towards mass-production.

Art Workers Guild

Formed in 1884, a group of English artists, architects, designers and craftsmen. Their aim was reform through the theory of the interdependence of the arts.

Baroque

From about 1855 Baroque was the accepted term for 17th century art and design. The style is characterized by exuberance and extravagence.

bartizan

Battlemented parapet, or overhanging turret on a wall or tower.

bungalow

In the West this describes a one-storied house. In the East this term is used to descibe a two-storied house or mansion. The word derives from Gujarati bangalo and Hindi bangla, meaning 'belonging to Bengal'.

capital

The head of a column which is often highly carved, moulded and decorated.

caryatid

A sculptured female figure used in place of a column or pillar.

Century Guild

Organization to promote the Arts and Crafts Movement, set up in 1882 by WH Mackmurdo, HP Horne and S Image.

ceramics

Generic term for all types of porcelain and pottery.

chancel

Part of the church for the clergy and choir, near the altar, and usually enclosed.

Chimera

In Greek mythology a chimera is a monster with a lion's head, a goat's body and a serpent's tail.

cire perdue

Lost wax: a bronze-casting technique of filling the space between the core and the mould after the core's wax coating has been melted away.

choragic

A reference to the chorus leader in ancient Greece, whose victory in the competitive choral dances was celebrated by erecting a small decorative structure.

corona

A hanging light formed from one or more (metal) hoops to which lamps or candles are attached.

Dilettante Society

Glasgow Dilettante Society (1825-1843), formed for the 'improvement of the Fine Arts'.

frieze

Loosely applied to any decorated band, but strictly the architectural term for the middle division of an entablature, the horizontal structure lying above and across the columns.

genre

Of a particular style.

gesso

Plaster of Paris or gypsum prepared for use in painting or sculpture.

Gurkhas

Members of the dominant Hindu race in Nepal, who make up several regiments in the British army.

Hakka

A people from south-eastern China, especially around Canton.

laurel

The leaves of the bay-tree used as a symbol of victory.

Maidan

The Maidan is a large public park situated in the very heart of Calcutta.

medallion

Circular or oval framed ornamentation, often containg a portrait in relief. The word literally means a large medal.

Moghul

Mohgul, Mogul or Mughal Empire, founded in the early 16th century in India, The Mughal emperor accepted British protection in 1803.

New Sculpture Movement

From about 1875 the style of British sculpture changed to one of more naturalistic modelling.